Champions For Learning

The 2024- 2025 Collier County Golden Apple Recipients are: ?? Amarillys Berrios, Oakridge Middle School ?? Gina Manville DeJager, Barron Collier High School ?? Erin Powell, Vineyards Elementary School ?? Sydney Whittaker, Lake Park Elementary School Read more about these outstanding teachers and see all Teachers of Distinction through the link below: https://lnkd.in/ehpfkUEE Thank you to our Golden Apple Visionary Sponsor Suncoast Credit Union #CFLGoldenApple #EducationIsEverything

Nicole R., a sophomore at the University of Miami, is currently pursuing a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Psychology on a pre-medical track. Thanks to the support of Champions For Learning, she will graduate with her bachelor’s degree completely debt-free. Her journey with Champions For Learning began as an 8th-grade student through the Take Stock in Children program. The program paired Nicole with a volunteer mentor, Debra Ezzell, whose support has been invaluable in building confidence in her ability to accomplish her dreams. She also credits the program with providing vital tools and skill-building opportunities throughout high school, ensuring she was prepared for each academic year. Read Nicole’s story to learn more about how Champions For Learning has supported her on her track to achieving postsecondary success: https://lnkd.in/gEEYSbqP

Last Saturday, Champions For Learning hosted our signature fundraising event, the Night for Champions Gala, at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, where we gathered with over 300 guests to celebrate and support education in Collier County. Because of our community’s dedication to and investment in the future of Collier County, Night for Champions was a record-breaking success and raised over $1.1 million for students and educators in Collier County! Read more about this record-breaking night for education: https://lnkd.in/eCQKi2jf

Thank you to all our amazing volunteers who joined us at last night’s 2025 Ambassador Reception! We cannot achieve our mission without our changemakers - their compassionate hearts and hardworking spirits embody our belief that education is everything. It was a night full of building relationships, sharing experiences, and learning about ways to engage others with Champions For Learning. Special thank you to Barbara Uible, for hosting! To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Champions For Learning, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/e2QCAjUF

Thank you to Greater Naples Fire Rescue District for visiting Champions For Learning this week as part of our Career Exploration panel! Our Career Exploration panels are hosted monthly at our learning lab during the school year, emphasizing core industries. Through these panels, we invite local leaders to talk to our students about their educational and career trajectories to inspire and empower them to chase after their own goals. This month’s Community Services panel featured our local firefighters, and professionals in forensics and special services. #EducationIsEverything

You’re invited to celebrate and support education at Night for Champions on February 15th! This elegant evening to remember at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples supports Champions For Learning’s mission to serve as a catalyst for educational success by investing in Collier’s students and educators. Purchase tickets today on our website: https://lnkd.in/erpB82HW

Happy birthday to Champions For Learning's President & CEO, Barbara Evans, CFRE! Thank you for your leadership in our mission to serve as a catalyst for educational success by investing in Collier’s students and educators. You always go above and beyond to not only support students and educators, but also to empower our staff to reach their highest potential. We hope you have an amazing day!

Wishing a very happy birthday to our Director of Educator Programs, Dani Henderson! Her work is essential in empowering and supporting our educators to experience professional success. Thank you, Dani, for all your hard work!

This #GivingTuesday, we are recognizing the staff of The Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning, who give every day through hard work and dedication. Their commitment drives our mission to serve as a catalyst for educational success by investing in Collier’s students and educators. Make a gift in their honor to support Champions For Learning’s work at: https://lnkd.in/eMeYT4km #EducationIsEverything

The Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning is a relationship builder. Our programs revolve around and depend upon synergy between our students, educators, parents, staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, Collier County Public Schools’ leadership, and community members like you, who share our belief that education is everything. We invite you to read stories featuring our students and educators that not only showcase their commitment to changing the trajectory of their lives, but also highlight our dedication to helping them reach their goals. View our 2024 Impact Report on our website: https://lnkd.in/eG5kejGY #EducationIsEverything